Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas is best seen from the water, and this half-day cruise gives you a comfortable way to reach the secluded Majahuitas cove. You’ll sail south on a Leopard catamaran, with possible views of Los Arcos, the Malecón, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales along the way.

I like the 40-person limit, which feels far more manageable than the giant party boats that can carry close to 100 people. I also like the attentive crew, generous drinks, and mix of water activities, including snorkeling, paddleboards, and a banana boat on some departures.

The main catch is that luxury may be stretching the word. The boat is well maintained and pleasant, but the meal can be an ordinary sandwich rather than a polished seafood lunch, snorkeling time may be short, and sea conditions control much of the day.

Key points to know before you book

• Majahuitas is the main attraction: You get about 1 hour and 20 minutes at a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta.
• The boat holds no more than 40 people: That gives you more breathing room than a large party cruise, though it can still feel cozy.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect fruit, guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktail or other seafood options when available, plus a deli-style meal and an unlimited bar on the yacht.
• Snorkeling conditions vary: Fish are often visible, but coral is limited and the crew may shorten the water time when waves are strong.
• The beach stop is reached from the boat: You may need to swim ashore, so leave valuables behind and do not expect a full beach club setup.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine and cash: The boat can spend close to an hour sailing before the first activity, and extra fees and gratuities may require local currency.

Sailing south from Puerto Vallarta

Your morning starts at 8:00 a.m. at the Vallarta Adventures terminal inside Puerto Mágico, near the north hotel zone. The port entrance can be a little confusing, so arriving early is sensible. One couple arrived about 30 minutes ahead and found the check-in straightforward once inside.

The catamaran then heads south along the Bay of Banderas. This first stretch is scenic, but it is not a quick transfer to the snorkeling site. You may spend nearly an hour on the water before the first activity begins. I see that as part of the appeal if you enjoy a slow coastal cruise, but it can feel like dead time if you booked mainly for snorkeling.

From the boat, you’ll get a different view of Puerto Vallarta’s waterfront, including the Malecón boardwalk. Depending on sea conditions and the route chosen that day, the catamaran may pass Los Arcos, the familiar cluster of rocky islands south of town. The route is not fixed, so you should treat these sights as possible bonuses rather than guaranteed stops.

That flexible routing matters. The captain needs to work with wind, waves, and safety conditions. On good days, the crew may pause for whale sightings, and humpback whales have been seen on the way to and from Majahuitas. Dolphins and turtles are also possible, though no wildlife sighting is promised.

What the 40-person catamaran feels like

The Leopard catamaran is a pleasant platform for a half-day on the bay. It is large enough for the group, and the crew serves food and drinks rather than leaving you to fend for yourself. Guides and crew members praised by name include Juan Luis, Sylvino, Judy, Charlie, George, Diego, Alex, Victor, Daniel, and Felipe, though your exact crew will depend on the departure.

The group limit is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. Forty people is not private, but it avoids the crowded feel of the largest excursion boats. You should still expect limited personal storage, especially if everyone brings beach gear, phones, towels, and bags.

The atmosphere can shift during the day. The outward cruise is often calm and scenic. After snorkeling, lunch, and drinks, music and dancing may turn the return trip into more of a social cruise. That makes the outing a good fit for couples, birthdays, family groups with older children, and celebrations such as bachelorette parties.

It is less ideal if you want a quiet, private sail. The minimum age is 10, and children can participate, but some water activities may be rough. A banana boat ride has been described as forceful enough to send riders into the water, so use judgment with younger children and follow the crew’s instructions.

Majahuitas Cove and the water activities

Majahuitas is the heart of the excursion. The cove sits south of Puerto Vallarta and is surrounded by tropical forest, with no normal road access from the city. Reaching it by boat gives the stop a secluded feel that you cannot get from a standard beach transfer.

The listed beach time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, although the actual time in the water and on shore can vary. Some departures have included roughly 20 minutes of snorkeling followed by a shorter beach visit. That is enough for a taste of the area, but not enough for a full reef day.

Snorkeling gear is supplied, and the crew provides guidance in the water. You might see colorful fish, turtles, or a manta ray. The site is not known for extensive coral, so experienced tropical snorkelers may find the underwater scenery modest. The quality depends heavily on visibility, current, and wave conditions.

Several people found the snorkeling enjoyable but brief. Others saw limited marine life. That is not a contradiction: Majahuitas can be attractive and relaxing without being a spectacular coral reef. If your main goal is serious snorkeling, you may want a dedicated marine-life excursion instead.

You can also use the stand-up paddleboards. Floating mats and, on some departures, a banana boat add variety. The supplied details list paddleboards but do not guarantee every optional water toy on every trip, so think of those activities as possibilities rather than the central promise.

One important detail is the life vest rule. Some departures require you to wear a vest whenever you are in the water. That can feel restrictive if you are a confident swimmer, but it is part of the operator’s safety approach.

Getting to shore without your beach bag

Majahuitas is not presented as a fully developed beach club. In several accounts, the boat remained offshore and people swam to the sand. That means you may not be able to carry a towel, phone, wallet, or camera with you.

Plan for a wet landing. If you want dry clothes afterward, keep them safely on the boat and use a waterproof phone pouch only if the crew permits it. Do not expect loungers, shops, or a long list of shore activities. The value is the cove itself, the water, and the quiet setting.

The beach bar arrangement can also be simpler than the phrase premium open bar suggests. On the yacht, the bar is described as unlimited and includes premium drinks. At the beach, accounts describe beer, water, hibiscus water, and juice rather than the full cocktail selection. The safest expectation is excellent drink service on board and basic refreshments at Majahuitas.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Food service is one of the more popular parts of the trip, but you should keep your expectations measured. The day may begin with fruit, chips, guacamole, and shrimp cocktail. Lunch is described as deli-style, with sandwiches, fresh fruit, seafood options, and dessert depending on the departure.

Some people have enjoyed the food and called it first rate. Others expected a more elaborate seafood lunch and received an average sandwich. Both descriptions can fit the same service because the menu appears to vary. I would book this for the boat, cove, and service, not for a gourmet meal.

If you have a shellfish allergy, mention it before departure and ask exactly what can be served. Shrimp has been part of the food offering, and the available alternatives are not clearly specified.

The unlimited bar is a genuine advantage for anyone who wants a relaxed social day. Drinks are served throughout the cruise, and several crew members have been praised for keeping glasses filled without making people leave their seats. Mango margaritas have received special praise.

Still, service consistency matters. One account described receiving only one alcoholic drink despite the unlimited-bar promise. That appears to be an exception rather than the normal setup, but if drinks matter to you, speak with the crew early and clearly.

What the price really buys you

The listed price is $119 per person for about five hours. That includes the catamaran cruise, crew service, lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and the open bar. Compared with a large basic boat trip, the smaller group and included drinks can make the price reasonable.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for drinks, water equipment, and lunch. It is also a good choice for a celebration, when attentive service and a lively boat matter as much as the beach itself.

The value is weaker if you want long snorkeling time, a high-end meal, or a private yacht. The word luxury refers more to the boat style, group size, and service level than to a private charter. You may share the deck closely with other people, and personal storage is limited.

Budget for possible extra charges. The booking details list a $40 per-person Bay of Banderas admission fee. Some departures have instead involved a 40-peso charge plus a mandatory 30-peso port fee paid before departure. Because those figures are inconsistent, confirm the current charges when you book and carry local cash.

Photography is another optional cost. A photographer or videographer may take polished photos during the cruise and water activities. Digital packages have been reported at about $100, and the images can be attractive, but they are not included in the tour price. Decide early if you are interested so you are not surprised at the end.

Motion sickness, weather, and practical comfort

The long first sail can be rough if the bay is choppy. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring the medication you normally use, such as Dramamine, and take it according to the product instructions before the boat departs. Eat lightly and stay where you can see the horizon.

Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a cover-up. A waterproof pouch is useful, but you should still keep important belongings secured on the boat during the beach swim. The tour ends where it begins, at the Vallarta Adventures terminal.

This trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted.

Drones are prohibited because of federal rules protecting the flight path of endemic birds. Electronic cigarettes, vapes, and drugs are also prohibited at Mexico’s federal maritime ports. The minimum age is 10, and most people can participate, but you should be comfortable boarding a boat, swimming or using water equipment, and following life-vest rules.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta cruise?

I would choose this excursion if you want a polished, social boat day with a smaller group, good coastal views, dependable crew service, and several simple water activities. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, birthdays, and groups celebrating together.

I would skip it if snorkeling is your top priority, if you want a quiet private charter, or if a gourmet lunch and full beach facilities are essential. The beach stop is scenic but basic, the marine life can be limited, and the itinerary may feel slow before the first activity.

FAQ

How long does the yacht and snorkel tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours. It begins at 8:00 a.m. and returns to the Vallarta Adventures meeting point.

Where does the tour begin?

Meet at Vallarta Adventures inside Terminal Marítima at Puerto Mágico, located at Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1 in Puerto Vallarta’s north hotel zone.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is described as deli-style, with items such as sandwiches, fruit, chips, guacamole, shrimp cocktail, and possible seafood selections. The exact menu may vary.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An unlimited premium open bar is included on the yacht. At Majahuitas, drink choices may be more basic, with beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included. Water conditions determine how long you can use them.

Can children join the tour?

The minimum age is 10. Children can participate, but some activities, particularly the banana boat, may be rough.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions or because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour for the boat ride, Majahuitas setting, attentive crew, and included drinks, not because you expect a private yacht or a gourmet seafood feast. At $119, it is a fair choice when you value comfort and service over maximum snorkeling time.

Bring motion-sickness medicine, sunscreen, local cash, and modest expectations about the meal and beach facilities. If those trade-offs suit you, this is a fun, easy way to spend a morning on Puerto Vallarta’s bay.